The video showcased, The "Namo Drone Didi" initiative, a government-led program aimed at empowering rural women while transforming agricultural practices through drone technology. Bill Gates observed how these drones are reshaping Indian farming by improving precision agriculture, including fertilizer spraying, seed dispersal, and crop monitoring.

New Delhi, India - March 20, 2025 - In a groundbreaking moment for India's agricultural sector, Bill Gates, former Microsoft CEO and philanthropist, visited the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in New Delhi to witness firsthand the revolutionary impact of Garuda Aerospace's agricultural drones. During his visit, he engaged with a group of empowered women pilots known as "Drone Didis," who are leading the way in modernizing Indian farming through advanced drone technology. The visit was facilitated by Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL), a key partner in the initiative.

The video showcased, The "Namo Drone Didi" initiative, a government-led program aimed at empowering rural women while transforming agricultural practices through drone technology. Bill Gates observed how these drones are reshaping Indian farming by improving precision agriculture, including fertilizer spraying, seed dispersal, and crop monitoring. The initiative has provided training to over 500 rural women, equipping them with critical drone skills and fostering economic independence. As of today, Garuda Aerospace has delivered 446 drones to women Self-Help Groups across 20 states, boosting agricultural productivity and increasing rural incomes.
This agricultural drone revolution was initially sparked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary initiative in 2022, which saw the deployment of 100 drones across 100 villages to showcase the benefits of drone technology in agriculture. Garuda Aerospace has played a crucial role in scaling this vision, supplying 15,000 drones to HURL and providing daily training to the "Drone Didis," enabling them to become financially self-reliant and successful entrepreneurs. HURL has also played a vital role in this transformation, training and equipping women with agricultural drones to enhance efficiency and sustainability in farming practices.

Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, said, "We are honored to have Bill Gates witness the impact of our Agri Drones and the dedication of the Drone Didis. This initiative aligns with our mission to empower rural communities with cutting-edge technology. Seeing the significant improvements in their family incomes is a testament to the power of innovation and resilience. We are excited about the future of Agri-drones in India."

Dr. Siba Prasad Mohanty, Managing Director of HURL, said, "We take immense pride in Bill Gates recognizing the transformational power of the 'Namo Drone Didi' initiative. Our commitment to training and equipping women with agricultural drones stems from our vision of fostering a self-reliant and digitally empowered India. Accessible and well-utilized technology has the potential to uplift rural communities and drive economic progress."

Garuda Aerospace, backed by M.S. Dhoni, launched its first film, ‘Kheton Ke Kaptan', promoting drone technology in farming. Showcasing the benefits of Garuda drones in pesticide spraying, surveillance, and mapping, the film highlights their role in conserving water and time. To accelerate adoption, farmers and young entrepreneurs will receive drone training, subsidies, and loans. The presence of global leaders like Bill Gates recognizing the grassroots impact of drone technology validates India's evolving drone ecosystem. Initiatives like Namo Drone Didi are also breaking gender norms, empowering women entrepreneurs, and driving inclusive technological progress in agriculture.